The Revitalization Programme for the Betlemi Historic District, Old Tbilisi, Georgia

Since 2004, Norway assists UNESCO in the revival of the historic sites, in Georgia.

Background: The unique architectural heritage of the Betlemi District in Old Tbilisi, including urban vernacular architecture and religious structures, fell into severe disrepair following the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, resulting in sub-standard living standards.

In response to this situation, the UNESCO Division of Cultural Heritage and the ICOMOS National Georgia Committee (ICOMOS Georgia) developed the ‘Programme for the Revitalization of the Historic Betlemi District of Old Tbilisi.’

Objective: The Programme’s aim was to establish a sustainable model, using cultural heritage preservation and restoration as a way of promoting economic development through cultural tourism and community-based urban revitalization. Central importance was given to community participation in all stages of the project.

Project activities: The project was implemented in two phases, during the period 2004/2005. All project activities were successfully undertaken, and included:

Phase I (2004) included preparing a conservation plan, intervention guidelines and a business plan for the district. In addition, concrete restoration and conservation works on historic houses and the District infrastructure to improve the living environment for local residents were undertaken. Other activities included:

The establishment of the ‘The Betlemi Quarter Agency’ – a community- owned union established to ensure the sustainable implementation of ongoing activities;

The training of local community members in tourism-related services;

The rehabilitation, restoration and conservation of endangered historic buildings and works to upgrade the infrastructure;

Engaging local crafts persons for restoration and conservation work, thereby providing employment opportunities and ensuring the transmission of traditional skills and knowledge.

Phase II (2005) involved implementing the activities foreseen in the Conservation and Business Plan, and giving priority to sustainable socio-economic development. They included:

Building the operational capacity of the Betlemi Quarter Agency and establishing an Information Centre within the Agency;

Developing the Betlemi District Tourist Route and other community-owned pilot projects linked to cultural tourism;

Undertaking restoration and conservation works to improve the physical environment of the Betlemi District and its infrastructure, thereby upgrading the living conditions of the local community and enhancing the appeal of the District for tourists;

Conducting a timber restoration workshop led by Norwegian experts;

Promoting the Programme’s results through the Website, brochure (refer to the brochure for the Tourist Route), and presentations to local municipal authorities and national decision-makers.

Project results: The project proved highly successful, and the results include the following:

Highly endangered historic houses and the historic stairs leading into the District were restored.

The infrastructure (sewerage, water system, drainage) of the District was upgraded.

Community-based tourism initiatives were developed, including a Tourist Route.

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